Understanding Oil Change Intervals: What's Right for Your Car?

If you learned to drive a few decades ago, you probably heard "change your oil every 3,000 miles." But modern vehicles and synthetic oils have changed the game significantly.

Why the 3,000-Mile Rule Is Outdated

The 3,000-mile recommendation made sense for older engines running conventional oil. But advances in engine design and oil technology mean most modern vehicles can go much longer between changes.

What Your Owner's Manual Says

Your owner's manual contains the manufacturer's recommended oil change interval. For most modern vehicles with synthetic oil, this is typically:

• 5,000 to 7,500 miles for normal driving
• 10,000+ miles for some vehicles with extended-life synthetic oil

"Normal driving" matters here. If you do a lot of short trips, stop-and-go driving, or operate in extreme conditions, you might need more frequent changes.

Synthetic vs. Conventional Oil

Synthetic oil costs more but offers significant advantages:

• Better performance in extreme temperatures
• Longer change intervals
• Better engine protection
• Less breakdown over time

Most manufacturers now recommend or require synthetic oil in newer vehicles.

Oil Life Monitors

Many modern vehicles have oil life monitoring systems that calculate when you need an oil change based on your actual driving conditions. These systems consider:

• Miles driven
• Engine operating temperatures
• Driving patterns
• Time since last change

When the system says it's time, it's time—regardless of the mileage.

When to Change More Frequently

Some conditions warrant more frequent oil changes: - Frequent short trips (engine doesn't fully warm up) - Lots of stop-and-go traffic - Towing or hauling - Extreme temperatures - Older engines with higher mileage

The Bottom Line

Check your owner's manual for the manufacturer's recommendation. If you have an oil life monitor, follow it. And if you're unsure, ask us—we'll tell you what makes sense for your specific vehicle and driving habits.

Changing oil too frequently wastes money. Not changing it often enough risks engine damage. Finding the right balance keeps your engine healthy and your wallet happy.